a winding stream

USAGE SUMMARY

"a winding stream" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a stream that is winding or meandering. For example, "The ducks swam lazily in the winding stream, dipping beneath the smooth pebbles beneath the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Drainage will be channeled via a winding stream rather than straight swale to slow its flow and minimize erosion.

The New York Times

The job they perform in "Title and Deed" is to illuminate, through a winding stream of eccentric anecdote and quirky insight, our essential homelessness in the world.

The New York Times

Below was a valley with a winding stream, and along its banks were paddy fields with neat little dikes around them.

The New Yorker

Each portrays a segment of a winding stream or river, the sinuous curves of its fertile banks lined with ribbons of road, stretches of farmland, neat rows of houses.

The New York Times - Arts

But he got up and down from the left of the green at the par five 15th to return to level par, a delicate 15-foot putt broke sharply down the hill at the 17th dropped and he safely secured par at the treacherous 18th, which features a winding stream down the left side of the fairway.

BBC

In 1953, the NCPDC excised the West Lake from its plans and replaced it with a winding stream, which was 110 m wide and covered around a fifth of the original area.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

On her right, a dark, winding stream damaged by mining; on her left, several sediment-control ponds that filter out pollutants from the runoff of mining operations.

The New York Times

The name of the river is thought to mean 'knot' or 'tie', in reference to the river's twists and loops; or is derived from a Celtic river-name meaning winding stream.

Wikipedia

I had a single bed with an Oriental-print spread — pagodas, winding streams, bent willows.

The New Yorker

An area without vehicular roads until after World War II, the remote peninsula sweeps southward from a canalized plain to a dense, tropical mangrove swamp on whose winding streams the Vietnamese fish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Picturesque granite cliffs and mountains (Half Dome and El Capitan being two of the most popular), winding streams, beautiful waterfalls, and Giant Sequoias create a gorgeous backdrop to a rugged camping experience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a winding stream" to evoke a sense of natural beauty and tranquility in descriptions of landscapes or settings. It's particularly effective when describing areas untouched by urbanization.

Common error

Avoid using "a winding stream" in technical or scientific writing where precision is paramount. Opt for more specific terms like "meandering channel" or "sinuous watercourse" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a winding stream" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "winding" modifies the noun "stream". This describes a stream's physical characteristic, indicating that it does not flow in a straight line. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a winding stream" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe a stream that meanders or curves. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears consistently in diverse contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and descriptive literature. For technical writing or scientific contexts, more precise terms may be preferable to ensure accuracy. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of natural beauty and is best used to enhance descriptions of landscapes or settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meandering brook

Replaces "winding" with "meandering" and "stream" with "brook", implying a smaller, gentler watercourse.

a twisting waterway

Substitutes "winding" with "twisting" and "stream" with "waterway", emphasizing the contorted path of the water.

a serpentine rivulet

Uses "serpentine" to describe the shape and "rivulet" to specify a very small stream.

a curving creek

Employs "curving" instead of "winding" and "creek" as a synonym for stream. This changes the visual image slightly by focusing on the curve.

a tortuous channel

Replaces both words with more complex synonyms, suggesting a difficult or complicated path.

a snaking watercourse

Substitutes with an action verb and a more technical term for a stream.

a rambling brooklet

Implies a casual, undirected flow using less common synonyms.

a maze-like stream

Emphasizes the complexity and potential confusion of the stream's path.

a wandering current

Focuses on the movement of water rather than the shape of the stream itself.

a circuitous flow

Replaces with more formal and abstract language to describe the movement of water.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a winding stream" in my writing?

Use "a winding stream" to add imagery and detail when describing natural settings or landscapes. For example, "The cottage was nestled beside "a winding stream", its gentle sounds filling the air".

What are some alternatives to using "a winding stream"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a meandering brook", "a twisting waterway", or "a serpentine rivulet" to convey similar ideas with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "a winding stream" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a winding stream" might be more suitable for descriptive or creative writing. In formal or scientific contexts, consider more precise terms like "meandering channel" for greater clarity.

What is the difference between "a winding stream" and "a straight stream"?

"A winding stream" describes a watercourse that curves and bends, suggesting a natural, unforced path. In contrast, "a straight stream" implies a more direct, possibly artificial or channelized flow.